Royal Air force improves communication using Fujitsu CELSIUS workstation

"In the event of a security breach, we can alert the entire base instantly. If it’s a suspicious package, we can ensure better procedural compliance and thus a faster activation of operational protocol, thanks to the Fujitsu content controller"

Simon Fenner,
Flight Lieutenant, RAF Northolt

The Customer

Formed in 1918 in response to the First World War, the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces and the oldest independent air force in the world. Its objective is to support the Ministry of Defence in ensuring the security of the UK and its overseas territories.

Located in the South East of England, RAF Northolt has been an operational aerodrome since 1915 and was selected as the forward base for Typhoon fast jets and other military elements providing security to the London Olympic Games. There are approximately 1,400 permanent staff members and 600 civilian contractors working at any one time from this historic site.

The challenge

RAF Northolt wanted to find a better way to communicate with its 2,000 permanent and civilian employees. Static noticeboards were not proving effective in reaching a population that had a significant number of staff without a designated desk or PC, due to the nature of their roles.

The solution

As part of an overall communications refresh, involving installing a non-classified fibre network, the military base deployed eleven 42’’ monitors to display customised content across the site. The monitors are dynamically controlled by a Fujitsu CELSIUS workstation.

The benefit

Customised content can be delivered to each screen and controlled by local managers, allowing them to tailor information depending on the location

In the event of emergency, staff have instant access to critical information, ensuring better procedural compliance and a faster activation of operational protocol

Visitors are welcomed by a touch-screen enabled monitor which allows them to navigate site maps and contact details for staff

The displays automatically turn themselves on and off according to predetermined schedules, saving energy